Storieshttps://mcc.org/stories?field_included_media_value=All
Latest stories, videos and photos from MCCenThis is why I give | COVID-19 | Videohttps://mcc.org/stories/why-i-give-covid-19-video
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/this_is_why_i_give.jpg?itok=cGHrd4oU" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>In Lebanon and Syria, MCC’s partners have been on the frontlines of the growing humanitarian crisis for years. Providing critical, life-saving support to families displaced by violence and conflict.</p></p>Fri, 05 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400Compiled by Elizabeth Miller-Derstine9659Caring for each other through crisis https://mcc.org/stories/caring-each-other-through-crisis
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/garifuna_bigger.jpg?itok=f2WNgX-O" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p><a href="https://www.everence.com/everence-articles/everence-corporate/en-espanol/20200526-cuidarnos-mutuamente-a-traves-de-la-crisis">EN ESPAÑOL</a></p></p>Wed, 03 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400By Sara Alvarez Waugh 9660Independence through hairstyling | Syria | Videohttps://mcc.org/stories/independence-through-hairstyling-syria-video
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/hairdressing.jpg?itok=IsqP691h" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>Through hair styling, she is able to earn money for rent and food for her three children and her husband, who was injured in the war and can no longer work. </p>
<p>Hasan participated in a free training provided by MCC partner Middle East Council of Churches.</p>
</p>Wed, 03 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400Compiled by Elizabeth Miller-Derstine9592Renewing MCC’s commitment toward ending racism in the U.S.https://mcc.org/stories/ending-racism
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/default_image.jpg?itok=6NlEjcs4" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p><em>A message from J Ron Byler, MCC U.S. Executive Director, and Ann Graber Hershberger, MCC U.S. Associate Executive Director.</em></p></p>Fri, 29 May 2020 00:00:00 -04003206Busy hands, full heartshttps://mcc.org/stories/busy-hands-full-hearts
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/ereny.jpg?itok=p-nrGa_0" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>With the COVID-19 pandemic closing businesses, schools and disrupting life in general over the past several months, participants in MCC’s International Volunteer Exchange Program (IVEP) in Goshen, Ind., found themselves suddenly without their regular work assignments.</p></p>Thu, 28 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400By Jennifer Steiner9642Lament and action in the face of COVID-19https://mcc.org/stories/lament-action-face-covid-19
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/candles.jpg?itok=jnhppfy7" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p><em>“In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” </em>(2 Corinthians 8:2, New International Version)</p></p>Wed, 27 May 2020 00:00:00 -04009639'Estamos todos juntos, parte de una familia'https://mcc.org/stories/estamos-todos-juntos-parte-de-una-familia
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/everence_raisin_city_pastor_-_vertical_2.jpg?itok=SI4gkHgb" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>“La subvención ayuda emocionalmente a los pastores. No sienten que están solos; estamos todos juntos, somos parte de una familia. La subvención lleva alegría en medio de la pandemia.”</p>
<p>- Pastor Cristobal Aleman, California (foto de arriba)</p></p>Fri, 22 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400Por Emily Jones9637What is a tippy tap? | Kenya | Videohttps://mcc.org/stories/what-tippy-tap-kenya-video
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/rs94112_ken20190122_health_ml1690-lpr.jpg?itok=3zp7sGhH" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>MCC supports the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) program at Mukuru Mennonite Academy in Kenya. Efforts like these are vitally important to counter the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>How you can help</strong></p></p>Thu, 21 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400Compiled by Elizabeth Miller-Derstine9621MCC announces program changes due to COVID-19https://mcc.org/stories/mcc-announces-program-changes-due-covid-19
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/cost_cutting_vietnam_1_mg.jpg?itok=enLdgxzJ" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) has scaled up its work to respond to the global crisis, increasing projects related to water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH), local health initiatives and food relief.</p></p>Wed, 20 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400By Laura Kalmar9630Waiting to go homehttps://mcc.org/stories/waiting-go-home
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/rs107019_cod20200225_agriculture_ml1471-lpr.jpg?itok=gEmtuI_E" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>The forest air that surrounds the eastern town of Minova in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) is thick with the essence of verdant plants and damp black soil. Birds call from the foliage, while a creek rushes in the background.</p></p>Wed, 20 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400Story by Linda Espenshade, Photos by Matthew Lester9575A call for compassionate releasehttps://mcc.org/stories/call-compassionate-release
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/prison_cell_0.jpg?itok=Apy2AlLj" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><em>Caption: Ron Muse, MCC staff member and prison chaplain, stands with men who received MCC's prisoner care kits in 2017 at a Philadelphia detention center. Today, Muse is part of the Mass Incarceration Network of MCC in the U.S.</em></p>Mon, 18 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400By Mass Incarceration Network of MCC in the U.S. 9627You are a bright light | Videohttps://mcc.org/stories/you-are-bright-light-video
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/you_are_a_bright_light.png?itok=rAUGx2-b" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>In this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, thank you for your part in supporting MCC and our partners at home and around the world.</p>
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<p><strong>How you can help</strong></p></p>Mon, 18 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400Compiled by Elizabeth Miller-Derstine9622Giving canned meat at home, toohttps://mcc.org/stories/giving-canned-meat-home-too
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/covid_-_pastor_collecting_canned_meat.jpg?itok=4zVB2e_g" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is supporting Anabaptist churches and partner organizations by providing canned meat for distribution to people in crisis.</p></p>Thu, 14 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400By Diana Voth and Linda Espenshade9625Responding to the current crisis: Central Californiahttps://mcc.org/stories/responding-current-crisis-central-california
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/pciture_2.jpg?itok=5YEKAaUN" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>“<em>For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in </em>…” Matthew 25:35 (NIV)</p></p>Wed, 13 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400 Story by Nathan Yoder9623Water, sanitation and hygiene in Chad | Videohttps://mcc.org/stories/water-sanitation-hygiene-chad-video
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/water_chad.png?itok=Aw20jBAa" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>MCC partner Catholic Relief Services support three camps and 30 villages in southern Chad that house more than 24,000 returnees. The term "returnees" does not imply the people returned to Chad by their own choice. Many of this group lived in Central African Republic (CAR) all of their lives.</p></p>Wed, 13 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400Compiled by Elizabeth Miller-Derstine9610New pumps bring fresh water for COVID-19 prevention in Chadhttps://mcc.org/stories/new-pumps-bring-fresh-water-covid-19-prevention-chad
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/rs98514_colinvandenberg-1666-lpr.jpg?itok=hIMp_NKL" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p><em>In 2019, MCC Canada writer Jason Dueck visited three refugee camps where MCC partner Secours Catholique et Développement (SECADEV; Catholic Relief Services) is working to install upgraded water pumps and build latrines to support more than 15,000 refugees.</em></p></p>Mon, 11 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400By Jason Dueck9615'We're all together, part of a family'https://mcc.org/stories/were-all-together-part-family
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/rs109336_everence_raisin_city_pastor_-large-lpr.jpg?itok=gGM2KcV8" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>The grant helps pastors emotionally. They don’t feel they’re alone — we’re all together, part of a family. The grant brings joy in the middle of the pandemic.”</p>
<p>- Pastor Cristobal Aleman, California (pictured above)</p>
<p class="aligncenter"> </p></p>Mon, 11 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400By Emily Jones9613Addressing conflict caused by limited resourceshttps://mcc.org/stories/addressing-conflict-caused-limited-resources
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/zimbabwe_ncube.jpg?itok=CPF4xPFP" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>As climate change takes its toll on Zimbabwe, millions who rely on agriculture are threatened with food scarcity. But Edfil Moyo, a subsistence farmer in the Gwanda District, has been able to adapt.</p></p>Mon, 11 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400By Emily Jones9611Responding to the National Commission on Servicehttps://mcc.org/stories/responding-national-commission-service
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/rachelle_0.jpg?itok=8GiPAc1U" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p><em>“As conscientious objectors, we believe Jesus commands reverence for each human life since every person is made in the image of God.” –From a </em><a href="https://washingtonmemo.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/ncmnps-letter.pdf"><em>letter sent by 13 Anabaptist groups</em></a><em> in September 2</em></p></p>Fri, 08 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach9607Canned meat impacts those vulnerable to COVID-19 in the U.S.https://mcc.org/stories/canned-meat-impacts-those-vulnerable-covid-19-us
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/1_0.jpg?itok=wFs756he" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>Even during the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and local Anabaptist churches and partners continue to find ways to bless their communities—including through the distribution of MCC canned meat in the name of Christ.</p></p>Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400By Diana Voth9603The whole world is feeling heartachehttps://mcc.org/stories/whole-world-feeling-heartache
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/ron_byler.png?itok=if7Ffdp1" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p><strong><em class="portrait"></em></strong></p></p>Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400By J Ron Byler, MCC U.S. Executive Director9578On assignment: MCC representatives then and nowhttps://mcc.org/stories/assignment-mcc-representatives-then-now
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/unzickers-web.jpg?itok=nIdZWCGe" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p><strong>Names </strong></p>
<p>Linda Gehman Peachey and Titus Peachey (from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, East Chestnut Mennonite Church); Andrea Bontrager Unzicker and Thomas Unzicker (most recently from Newton, Kansas, Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church)</p>
<p><strong>Assignments</strong></p></p>Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 -04009577On the Jericho roadshttps://mcc.org/stories/jericho-roads
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/leonard_dow-web.jpg?itok=mJXWUzC5" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p><em>Leonard Dow is the featured speaker at <a href="https://mcc.org/get-involved/events/celebration-2020-mcc-100">Celebration 2020</a>, the U.S. national celebration of MCC's history and ministry, now scheduled for Oct. 17.</em></p></p>Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400By Marla Pierson Lester9576Looking toward the futurehttps://mcc.org/stories/looking-toward-future
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/rs106791_syr20191009_cps_0400-lpr.jpg?itok=FPKR5XTg" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p><em>Editor's note: As this issue goes to press in April 2020, we know that amid the COVID-19 pandemic, MCC’s work with displaced and other vulnerable people in Syria and around the world becomes even more critical. In a time of global crisis, those who are most vulnerable often suffer the most.</em></p></p>Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400Story by Linda Espenshade, Reporting by Petra Antoun and Ibrahem Melhem, Photos by Jafar Al-Merei and Ibrahem Melhem9574First person: George Sarkishttps://mcc.org/stories/first-person-george-sarkis
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/rs106591_syr20191003_georgesarkis_013-lpr.jpg?itok=OMMZdQPn" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>Two years after the war started in Syria, I was 17 years old. Like now, I lived in Damascus.</p>
<p>I remember writing the exams that I needed to pass to start university when I heard the sounds of war outside.</p></p>Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400As told to Petra Antoun, Compiled by Linda Espenshade, Photos by Jafar Al-Merei and Ibrahem Melhem9573Estamos muy necesitadas -- We are in a lot of needhttps://mcc.org/stories/estamos-muy-necesitadas-we-are-lot-need
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/img_3418.jpeg?itok=DXeEDaPP" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>As I finish my workday in my back yard in Tucson, Arizona, the afternoon sun is still hot as it sets over the roof of my house. I have been working from home since late March under the state’s "Stay home, stay healthy and stay connected" mandate due to COVID-19.</p></p>Tue, 05 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400Katherine Smith9595IVEP participant insight: Put the skates on and gohttps://mcc.org/stories/ivep-participant-insight-put-skates-go
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/3._ivep_participant_photo.jpg?itok=6owKpWYn" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p>
<p>Today, I can say with all certainty that I am at home. In the last few months, I have met amazing people who made me feel at home. I went through changes that I never imagined before. In one of my favorite Shawn Mendes songs, he says:</p>
<p><em>You can't hold on to the old you</em></p></p>Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400By Jhonas dos Santos, IVEP participant (2019 to 2020)9602IVEP partner insight: Somita recognizing her strengthshttps://mcc.org/stories/ivep-partner-insight-somita-recognizing-her-strengths
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/7._ivep_partner_photo.jpeg?itok=_xUq_6Ji" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p>
<p>Standing in line for lunch at the Brandon, Manitoba, MCC Relief Sale last fall, I began chatting with the couple behind me. I told them I worked for Youth for Christ, and they told me their daughter worked for MCC’s IVEP program.</p></p>Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400By Becky Buhler, IVEP Supervisor Westman Youth for Christ9601IVEP alumni insight: "It taught me to always take a breather"https://mcc.org/stories/ivep-alumni-insight-it-taught-me-always-take-breather
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/9._ivep_alumni_photo.jpg?itok=m5BLrSuI" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p>
<p>“Life is a journey” is a cliché commonly used to describe the tides of existence. For most of the International Volunteer Exchange Program (IVEP) alumni, the experience is an unforgettable path that has shaped and changed the trajectory of their lives.</p></p>Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400By various IVEP alumni9600IVEP welcome: How do we navigate our way forward?https://mcc.org/stories/ivep-welcome-how-do-we-navigate-our-way-forward
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/1._welcome_photo.jpg?itok=qGiVHXYR" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p>
<p>At a time when “physical distancing” is our best way of beating COVID-19, how do we support a program like IVEP (International Volunteer Exchange Program) whose essence is about connecting the world? How do we navigate our way forward?</p></p>Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400By Kathryn Deckert9599IVEP host insight: From hosting a guest to welcoming a daughterhttps://mcc.org/stories/ivep-host-insight-hosting-guest-welcoming-daughter
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/5._ivep_host_photo.jpg?itok=SMJ2Z9gX" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p>
<p>Our kids had been begging us to host an IVEPer for a few years. They’ve gotten to know several international volunteers at Central Christian School in Ohio. We have space in our house and our kids thought this would be fun.</p></p>Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400By Monica Miller (IVEP host 2019 to 2020)9598Hello from Syria | Videohttps://mcc.org/stories/hello-syria-video
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/haneen.jpg?itok=B2L8-6NQ" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>In the village of Al Hmeira, 240 children attend a CFS supported by MCC through partner, Fellowship of Middle East Evangelical Churches.</p>
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<p>You can learn more about Haneen in the Spring 2020 issue of A Common Place.</p>
</p>Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400Compiled by Elizabeth Miller-Derstine9491Knowledge for a better life | DR Congo | Videohttps://mcc.org/stories/knowledge-better-life-dr-congo-video
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/knowledge_drcongo.jpg?itok=Eajme_NE" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>They now live in Mubimbi Camp. </p></p>Thu, 30 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400Compiled by Elizabeth Miller-Derstine9556New latrines and water systems strengthen health and dignity https://mcc.org/stories/new-latrines-water-systems-strengthen-health-dignity
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/rs107190_cod20200225_water_ml1677-lpr.jpg?itok=byP94yRd" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>BUKAVU, Democratic Republic of the Congo ‒ The six new boys’ toilets and the six new girls’ toilets at Institute Katuze Secondary School are so much better than the two old pit toilets that they used to use, students said.</p></p>Tue, 28 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400By Linda Espenshade9590Chicago partners continue their mission amid COVID-19https://mcc.org/stories/chicago-partners-continue-their-mission-amid-covid-19
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/robert_torres_-_condensed_for_web.jpg?itok=6gURqQzN" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p><strong><em>Parents for Peace &amp; Justice</em></strong></p></p>Mon, 27 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400By Jennifer Steiner9585Sanctions worsen risk of COVID-19 outbreak in North Koreahttps://mcc.org/stories/sanctions-worsen-risk-covid-19-outbreak-north-korea
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/rs105046_img_8022-lpr.jpg?itok=sODavHTO" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>COVID-19 has spread across the world. With China and South Korea having experienced large numbers of cases, the threat of an outbreak is looming over the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).</p></p>Fri, 24 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400Blake Hershberger 9583Food distribution | DR Congo | Videohttps://mcc.org/stories/food-distribution-dr-congo-video
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/food_distribution.jpg?itok=padj2YPQ" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>Through MCC’s account at Canadian Foodgrains Bank, fields have been rented and purchased so that people living in Mubimbi camp in the Democratic Republic of the Congo can plant their own gardens and grow food together in the communal fields. </p></p>Thu, 23 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400Compiled by Elizabeth Miller-Derstine9559Proven methods bring hope to COVID-19 prevention in Haitihttps://mcc.org/stories/proven-methods-bring-hope-covid-19-prevention-haiti
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/haiti_handwashing_covid_and_cholera_2.jpg?itok=0ZbSF-GW" width="320" height="213" alt="A woman washes her hands." title="Cilana Louissine washes her hands using a technique she learned during hygiene training from an MCC partner in her community of Wopisa-Gabriyèl, Haiti." /><p><p>Four years ago, a disease was sweeping through two remote communities in Haiti. Healthcare wasn’t accessible and those who were sick quickly worsened. In one year, 291 people died. Does that sound eerily familiar?</p></p>Wed, 22 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400Story by Renata Buhler. Photos by Annalee Giesbrecht.9572Meeting COVID-19 together globally | Videohttps://mcc.org/stories/meeting-covid-19-together-globally-video
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/92075885_604732773588832_5517840606539284480_o.jpg?itok=6qPJH8mq" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>In the Mathare neighborhood of Nairobi, Kenya, MCC and partner Kenya Mennonite Church are working with frontline volunteers to set up handwashing stations across Mathare and ensuring that mothers have what they need to keep themselves and their children safe and healthy.</p>
<p> </p></p>Tue, 21 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400Compiled by Elizabeth Miller-Derstine9570Central America is richhttps://mcc.org/stories/central-america-rich
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/honduras_photo_3.jpg?itok=TX0d322I" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>Central America isn’t poor.</p>
<p>In Spanish, unlike English, there are two forms of the verb “to be.” One expresses a temporary reality (“it is cold outside”), the other an enduring fact (“this is a cold country”).</p></p>Mon, 20 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400Kate Parsons9568Spaghetti and chopstickshttps://mcc.org/stories/spaghetti-chopsticks
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/minearmak.jpg?itok=dtp79ln2" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>Thi<em>s story was written in February 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic became a worldwide threat. As of April 2020, Minear Mak is still serving in her YAMEN assignment, remaining in close contact with MCC and MWC administrators as health and government guidelines continue to change.</em></p></p>Thu, 16 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400By Jason Dueck9566The gift of the crossing pointhttps://mcc.org/stories/gift-crossing-point
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/jbw_photo_crossingpoint2_amman_jordan-march_2020.jpg?itok=tvkIymNK" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p>
<p><em>James Wheeler and his wife Linda Herr serve as MCC Area Directors for Europe and the Middle East and encourage the work of six country programs.</em></p></p>Thu, 16 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400Photos and story by James Wheeler9565Water, sanitation and hygiene in DR Congo | Videohttps://mcc.org/stories/water-sanitation-hygiene-dr-congo-video
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/wash_in_drcongo.jpg?itok=tkwlQeNp" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>A water, sanitation and hygiene project is run by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), partner Communauté des Églises de Frères Mennonites au Congo (CEFMC; Mennonite Brethren Church of Congo).</p></p>Thu, 16 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400Compiled by Elizabeth Miller-Derstine9554Washington E-Memohttps://mcc.org/stories/washington-e-memo-64
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/sanctions_2.jpg?itok=o-FPSMZp" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p>Lift sanctions on countries facing the coronavirus pandemic</p>Wed, 15 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400John-Michael Cotignola-Pickens9563MDS, Everence and MCC launch COVID-19 congregational relief fund https://mcc.org/stories/mds-everence-mcc-launch-covid-19-congregational-relief-fund
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/default_image_242.jpg?itok=0op6WgcZ" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p><em>Over half a million dollars committed to support under-resourced Anabaptist and related churches</em></p></p>Tue, 14 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -04009562MCC is prepared | Videohttps://mcc.org/stories/mcc-prepared-video
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/mcc_is_prepared.jpg?itok=Ym3CD9Af" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>During the COVID-19 pandemic, MCC is committed to continue work that is vital to supporting people who are particularly vulnerable in situations like this.</p>
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<p><strong>How you can help</strong></p></p>Mon, 13 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400Compiled by Elizabeth Miller-Derstine9549"COVID-19 affects all of us. Everywhere." | Videohttps://mcc.org/stories/covid-19-affects-all-us-everywhere-video
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/ron_easter.jpg?itok=3dFCK5XD" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>This work includes water, sanitation and hygiene, health and food programs that address the threats of COVID-19 for some of the world’s most vulnerable people.</p>
</p>Thu, 09 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400Compiled by Elizabeth Miller-Derstine9545The Lord is our refugehttps://mcc.org/stories/lord-our-refuge
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/rs88749_bol20180502_livelihoods_ms0502-lpr.jpg?itok=7GzMtCtE" width="320" height="213" alt="Mountains with clouds." title="Mountains in the distance, as seen from El Alto, Bolivia. MCC photo/Matthew Sawatzky" /><p><p>In 2015, MCC published a worship resource titled <em>Crossing to the other side: Living as people of peace in a time of fear and terror.</em> Although the resource was originally written in a time of fear of terrorism, several of the themes and messages from this resource apply to our context of </p></p>Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400Adapted by Renata Buhler9547A year of silencehttps://mcc.org/stories/year-silence
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/fontaine_2.jpg?itok=XGaU0x0D" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>Even as news of the coronavirus is rightfully on everyone’s mind, advocacy on long-standing concerns such as gun violence continues.</p></p>Fri, 03 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400John-Michael Cotignola-Pickens9543Loving our neighbors during COVID-19https://mcc.org/stories/loving-our-neighbors-during-covid-19
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://mcc.org/sites/mcc.org/files/styles/primary_thumbnails/public/system/images/83444298_232889414370352_5518751835390738432_n_1.jpg?itok=PEbXdH1m" width="320" height="213" alt="" /><p><p>Fear (noun): “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.” </p></p>Thu, 02 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400Story and photos by Ana Alicia Hinojosa9542